Ogun's Bold Move: Transforming Olumo Rock into a Cultural Tourism Gem
Ogun State partners with Nike Art Gallery to turn the Olumo Rock into a major tourist attraction with a new gallery, boosting visits significantly.
1st May 2025
By Taiwo Bankole
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In a transformative initiative to bring vibrancy and cultural appeal back to one of its most iconic landmarks, the Ogun State Government, in collaboration with the renowned Nike Art Gallery, is setting the stage for a tourism revolution at Olumo Rock. Governor Dapo Abiodun’s ambitious vision aims to catapult the annual tourist attendance from a modest 20,000 to over 100,000, turning this historical site into a focal point of global cultural exchange.
A Vision for Impact
In a spirited meeting with Chief (Mrs) Nike Davies-Okundaye, the founder of Nike Art Gallery, Governor Abiodun shared his aspirations. “Olumo Rock deserves to regain its legendary status,” he enthused. By transforming a existing event hall into a state-of-the-art gallery, both entities hope to create a vibrant arts hub that not only celebrates Ogun’s unique cultural heritage but also attracts tourists from across the globe.
Strategic Transformation
Architects of this transformation are not just focused on aesthetics; the new gallery is slated for completion ahead of the National Sports Festival in May, which will see Ogun hosting approximately 15,000 visitors. “It’s an opportunity to let the world see our heritage,” Governor Abiodun remarked, referring to nearby historical sites like the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library and the Ransome-Kuti family home.
Enhancing Accessibility
The state’s infrastructural reinvigoration plays a vital role in this vision. “Whether by rail, air, or soon by sea, Ogun is more accessible than ever,” the governor proudly declared. This accessibility is fundamental to sustaining the influx of tourists, ensuring that each visit to Olumo Rock is seamless and memorable.
A Cultural Showcase
For Nike Davies-Okundaye, the partnership is personal. “This gallery will put Ogun on the global map,” she declared, envisioning a space that could see visits from heads of state and global dignitaries, emulating her successes with the Abuja gallery. She also championed the state’s efforts to uplift the Adire fabric industry, sharing plans to infuse the gallery with textile workshops to further highlight this regional treasure.
Future Aspirations
In a nod to Ogun’s creative pulse, plans are also underway to establish a creative arts and entertainment village in collaboration with Bolanle Austen-Peters. “Together, we will offer a holistic cultural experience, blending traditional art with contemporary expression,” Governor Abiodun explained.
As Ogun State embarks on this journey, the collaboration between government and art pioneers promises not just renewed recognition for Olumo Rock but a flourishing of cultural tourism that will resonate throughout Nigeria and beyond. According to Punch Newspapers, this initiative stands as a testament to what can be achieved through visionary public-private partnerships.
Taiwo Bankole
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